Why does a major leaguer need meal money with the money they're making today?

Question

With ATMs all over the place,with the food spread they have on the road in clubhouses,with the room service in the hotels they stay in...

Answer 1

Most of them don't, but it's written into the contract between the MLBPA and the owners. It's really not about the players, it's about the other team staff - coaches, trainers, etc. - who also travel with the team. They don't earn as much but get the same meal money. It's one of those "we have to give it to the rich guys so the poorer guys don't get screwed" situation.

Answer 2

It's just a formality really. The minimum salary for one major league baseball player could theoretically support more than 20 poverty stricken families of four, so money isn't the issue. It just keeps the players happy. For example, for years (and they might even still do it), the St. Louis/Arizona football Cardinals would charge players for socks, sodas, towels, etc. Dozens of former players have ripped the organization for it, and all the little nickle-and-dime stuff earned them a very bad reputation around the league, one they are still having trouble living down. So although the notion of meal money for professional athletes seems strange, it keeps the players happy, and happy players are more likely to stay with the team, not be cancers in the clubhouse, and do better on the field.

Answer 3

Think of it like this. Baseball is really a business, when CEOs go out of town on a business trip they have an expense accounts to cover hotels, air fare, rental cars and meals. Why shouldn't professional athletes get their meals payed for by their franchise, especially on the road? It shouldnt have to be an out of pocket expense.

Answer 4

It is an old union agreement. They needed int the old days. Also do not forget minor leaguers do not make the big cash and need the meal money.